Owner Mike Ashley has claimed he is closer than ever to selling up for £325million. But when a similar buy-out scenario unfolded a year ago, Benitez struggled to get any money to spend.

He says “all the potential is there” for a new owner to exploit — but warned it must be “business as usual” for him and his ­players.

Arthur Blank, owner of an Atlanta-based sports empire including the NFL’s ­Atlanta Falcons, denied on Tuesday night he was one of the bidders for the Geordies.

Benitez said: “The potential, the city, it is there. Why are we here? Because of that.

Benitez says he must be allowed to do transfer business while the club's ownership is sorted out (Image: Action Images via Reuters)

“I will say that I hope it will not be a distraction. Why? ­Because the players know that they have to perform. When we say, ‘Business as usual’ it’s because we know that it will not change our plans.

“Our plans are to look for the transfer targets. It depends who is there and who is available. We carry on thinking that Mike will be there, and we have to choose the right players.”

As for specific targets, Newcastle have ­Atlanta United forward Miguel ­Almiron high up on their list.

Blank's Atlanta Falcons played in the Super Bowl two seasons ago (Image: Getty)

The Major League Soccer star has been scouted and details of a proposed deal discussed. However, the Magpies have to decide whether to make their move.

Benitez refused to comment on Almiron specifically, adding: “We have been here before. We will see where we can go.

“For me, as a manager, managing director Lee ­Charnley told me that it is business as usual. So will we change what we do? No. Steve Nickson will continue ­working and watching players, giving me names, and that’s it. I am the manager and I am not in charge of the financial part of the business. So it’s just for me to c­oncentrate on football.”

He said: “I think he’s a great keeper. We are talking about a player that has the passion, you can see that in the way he approaches games. We can talk about this for a while but we will not talk about a chance missed for a striker. You can see he has the character.”